What should you do about a workers' compensation claim denial?

On behalf of Cathy Wetzel of Kampf, Schiavone & Associates posted in Workers' Compensation on Monday, April 10, 2017.

Were you recently injured on the job? Did you file a claim for workers' compensation benefits?

If you answered yes to these questions, you hope that your claim is approved and that you begin to receive benefits in the near future.

Unfortunately, there are times when a workers' compensation claim results in a denial. If this happens, you don't want to sit back and assume that there is nothing else you can do. Instead, you need to learn more about what happened and the steps you can take in the future.

-- Injury was not reported to your employer in a timely manner. This is why it's imperative to report your injury as quickly as possible, ideally the same day.

-- Claim was not filed in time. You don't have an endless amount of time to file a workers' compensation claim, so you should act fast.

-- Employer disputes your claim. For example, your employer may dispute that you were actually injured on the job.

-- You did not receive medical treatment. It's important to receive medical treatment immediately following your injury. Neglecting to do so could lead to a denial.

In the event of a workers' compensation denial, you'll want to learn more about your next steps. The denial letter will outline the steps for filing an appeal, so you should follow these down to every last detail. In some cases, you may need to provide nothing more than another piece of information in order for your claim to be approved.

Unfortunately, filing a workers' compensation appeal is easier said than done. Furthermore, since you're not working, you don't have time to waste. Instead, you need to receive compensation sooner rather than later.

With all this in mind, you may want to consult with a workers' compensation attorney. A legal professional can review your injury, treatment, and denial letter. From there, he or she can provide feedback on the appeal process and the steps you should take.

If you plan on filing an appeal, don't wait to put the wheels in motion. Instead, learn more about your rights, get the help you need, and then move forward at once.

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